Bay Harbor Islands is one of the smallest towns in Miami made up of two kidney-shaped islands that cover less than half a square mile of land. It’s small but special, and locals call it “the best-kept secret on the water.” It has many Miami Modernist Architecture (MiMo) buildings and Mid-Century ranch homes. Just steps from the beach with miles of boardwalk to walk or ride your bike north to the pier or down to South Beach. This quaint town combines water views, lush landscapes, luxury homes and condos, an A+ public school, and a concourse of great cafes and shops. It is certainly worth a stroll and a good meal.
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Head east on Broad Causeway (accessed on Biscayne Blvd. and 123rd Street), a drive that will compel you to open the windows and feel the ocean breeze as views of Downtown Miami and the mansions of Indian Creek Country Club appear ahead. Continue east and see the growing skyline of luxury oceanfront condos on your left and the giant red Calder and Richard Serra sculptures on Norman Braman’s sprawling lawn (of the Braman car dealer fortune and former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles) on your right. You know you are about to arrive in a little piece of Miami heaven.
Continue past the first island with residential homes and find parking along Kane Concourse (96th Street), a perfectly manicured, palm-lined 2-block business district with shopping, dining, and professional offices. Start your walk at Bubbles Miami, where fashionable locals can pop in for the perfect floral skirt set, designer top, or stylish loungewear. Owners Michael and Caroline curate a selection of gifts with high-end cosmetics, home decorations, party decorations, candles, and fun eclectic finds. You can also fill in your Rx here because Caroline is a pharmacist.
There are many options for lunch. Next door is Emilio’s Trattoria where you will find a consistently delicious, classic Italian meal. Start with the savory Pasta e Fagioli, followed by the perfectly dressed Caesar and the Linguini Bolognese, and finish with a Tiramisu. Emilio used to own Caffe Ragazzi of Surfside in its heyday with his son Beto, and you may recognize the waiters from 20 years ago.
A new little cafe popped up with a name as lovely as its staff and decor: “Qavah” – which translated from Hebrew means “hope”. Qavah Coffee & Sweets has delicious specialty coffees made with genuine fanfare, pastries, brunch favorites with a twist, and sandwiches and salads filled with creative combinations of fresh local ingredients.
Stay on the south side and check out Bay Harbor Cafe for a cortadito and a Cuban pastry. This recently opened little sandwich shop is a good place to stop in for a strong shot of coffee and a sweet snack.
Around the corner on 95th Street, you will find our favorite restaurant Open Kitchen. This tiny restaurant was opened in 2011 by the talented Chef Ines Chattas who cooks gourmet meals in a small open kitchen. They serve delicious, creative home cooking with impeccable service. Try the Lentil Soup, the Turkey Meatloaf, the Seared Tuna, the Kale Cesar with Pork Belly, and their freshly made artisanal pasta. Don’t leave without having one of their Dulce de Leche desserts. Every single thing is delicious. Lunch is served Monday-Fridays; pre-order dinner to go. Open for dinner on Thursdays.
Next door is Mister 01 Pizza. Now with 14 locations, Chef and Owner Renato Viloa says the magic of his pizza is in the sugar-free, extra-thin dough. Order the award-winning “Star Luna” star-shaped pizza with a ricotta-filled crust, spicy salami, mozzarella and Italian tomato sauce. Their salads are fresh, crispy and filled with locally sourced vegetables and ingredients.
On the north side of Kane Concourse, you will find Bay Harbor Bistro, a proverbial neighborhood gem. You will see the same people at the same 3 tables every morning (usually a local cop or 2) and the same friendly faces working the tables for 10+ years. The owner is always there and never forgets to ask about the family – by name. Enjoy fresh juices and smoothies, French pastries, daily fish and pasta specials and soups made fresh daily.
A few doors down is the popular Pura Vida which is always crowded with people enjoying their delicious but expensive salads or drinks like Matcha Lattes.
Just north of Pura Vida and slightly hidden is The Palm Restaurant. This is a pure old-school American steakhouse, with locations around the country, but this spot is decidedly local with framed caricatures of local patrons lining the walls. Open for dinner only, you can’t beat their Steakhouse Wedge Salad and Surf and Turf special. The Chicken Parmigiana is legendary, as is their key lime pie. Don’t forget a signature martini at the bar that always has a fun crowd.
If you are looking for a fun place to exercise Bay Harbor Islands has not one but two highly in-demand Pilates studios. On the north side of Kane Concourse is Tenthirtythree Wellness Collective, a partnership of the previous tenant J Paper Gift Boutique, and highly skilled Naomi from Nomi Pilates. It is a beautiful studio where you can practice Pilates with experienced instructors, explore healing crystals, and relax in a treatment room for acupuncture or a massage.
Across the street is Reforming Pilates. Their motto is “The (second) best exercise to do on your back”. It’s a small place with daily classes and specialists in the fundamentals: advanced practice, pre & post-natal, and prevention & rehab. People travel to take these classes with some of the best instructors in the area. Book early as these coveted spots fill
up every week.
Do you want to learn to salsa or dance the tango? How about a ballroom dance class for your wedding? Check out Fred Astaire Dance Studios offering International or American-style ballroom classes, training for national events and kids classes.
Continue east on 96th Street and arrive at Collins Avenue in Surfside where you can spend a few hours at the famous Bal Harbor Shops.
Don’t leave the area without trying Josh’s Deli, a Jewish Kosher deli with a gourmet flair and a great vibe whose owner Josh Markus recently received a Michelin nod. Think Spicy Tuna Latkes, the “Jewban” – a take on the Cuban sandwich, and of course Grandma’s Garden Vegetable Matzo Ball Soup.
Across the street, you will find LAHH Salon (Life’s about healthy hair) where fashionable locals and international jet setters go to get their hair styled. Owner Emily Safran Wands believes hair should be seen as an investment: as they say, “It’s the crown you never take off!” LAHH Salon offers a full salon experience for hair, makeup and nails and has been awarded Ocean Drive’s “Best Salons of Miami”, Allure’s “Best of Beauty” Directory and New Times “Best Makeup Bar”.
Finish your day at the world-class Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. The original Surf Club was founded on New Year’s Eve in 1930 by Harvey Firestone, Carl Fisher and Irving Collins. A members-only beach and social club, its famous guests included Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. Closed in 2013, the original structure has been brought back to life with the beautiful Lido Restaurant with excellent Mediterranean fare and a crudo bar, and the gorgeous palm-filled Champagne Bar with the city’s best champagne list and the perfect place to people-watch all afternoon. You can also have an al fresco lunch at Winston’s by the pool and instantly feel on vacation. Think “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” on a South American hacienda. If you start feeling decadent, stay for dinner
at Tomas Keller’s Michelin awarded The Surf Club Restaurant.
On your way back to the mainland, if you want to take home some of the freshest fish in town, stop at Catch Specialty Fish Market on 123rd Street just past the causeway. It’s in a strip mall and easy to miss, so look for the blue fish sign. This family-owned and run local fish market guarantees freshness and service. We felt like the guys behind the counter had just returned from a long weekend fishing and were happy to filet and wrap up our selection. It’s impeccably clean. There is a sushi counter and daily prepared dips, sauces and ceviche.
